Satyr Family with the Obelisk, from Scherzi

"Satyr Family with the Obelisk, from Scherzi" is an exquisite etching on paper created by the Italian master Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696–1770) between 1735 and 1740. This print belongs to the artist's inventive series known as the Scherzi di fantasia (Jests of the Imagination), a significant collection characterized by enigmatic compositions, mythological figures, and classical ruin imagery. Unlike his grand fresco commissions for European palaces, these prints allowed Tiepolo to experiment with line and shadow, capturing a private, almost experimental mood. The medium demonstrates his masterful use of the etching technique, utilizing fine, deliberate lines and strong contrasts to evoke atmospheric depth and texture.

The scene focuses on a family of satyrs, traditional figures in pastoral mythology, gathered near a monumental obelisk or ancient stela. This characteristic juxtaposition of the natural, often wild world (the satyrs) with the imposing structures of classical antiquity is typical of 18th-century Italian capriccio and the ruin aesthetic prevalent in graphic art of the period. Tiepolo often used the Scherzi prints to explore themes of magic, philosophy, and the mysterious beyond conventional religious or historical narrative. The dramatic chiaroscuro achieved in the etching process enhances the intense, sculptural quality of the mythological subjects. This renowned example of 18th-century Satyr Family with the Obelisk, from Scherzi prints is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, providing scholars and the public with access to this important graphic work. As a foundational piece by Tiepolo, the image is frequently shared across various educational and public domain initiatives.